Resources

There are a number of existing tools and benefits calculators which can be used to predict and monitor the impact of waste prevention activities. The tools use different information and methodologies to generate the results. Some offer a predictive indication of the potential impact of a service or activity to inform decision making whilst some will provide a retrospective impact based on activity information. The most appropriate tool for a local authority will depend on their specific monitoring and evaluation needs.

There are various ways to approach measuring the impact of a service or waste prevention activity. The appropriate approach to adopt will depend on the service/activity being measured and the time and resources available for monitoring. Common approaches are outlined below with more detail available in the monitoring and evaluation guidance section. 

There are also a number of measurement tools available which will indicate the impact of an intervention, during the planning and/or delivery stages.

Monitoring and evaluating waste prevention scheme performance is something that all local authorities should be doing as a matter of routine. Not only does it enable assessment of whether schemes are performing as expected, it also helps diagnose problems, design new approaches and ultimately improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Defra’s Framework for Sustainable Lifestyles (published October 2011) set out an approach to understanding and influencing behaviour. The framework provides evidence-based insights on the motivations and barriers to action and approaches to influencing behaviour.

Once you have identified which waste stream to target the next step is to “get to know” your audience, understand their issues, and how to target them effectively.

After making a strong case for waste prevention in your local authority, it is important to begin developing a plan.

This section highlights other cross-cutting drivers in planning, establishing and maintaining a waste prevention plan. It covers:

• The Compact
• Localism, and
• National Indicators

This section highlights the main environmental drivers in planning, establishing and maintaining a waste prevention plan.

This section highlights the main social drivers in planning, establishing and maintaining a waste prevention plan.

In this section we offer an example plan structure that can be used as a starting template for your own plan. 

After making a strong case for waste prevention in your local authority, it is important to begin developing a plan.